TUNNEL INSPECTOR – NONDESTRUCTIVE EXAMINATION (NDE)

Location: Portland, Oregon
Position: Tunnel Inspector / NDE Specialist
Experience Required: 5–15 Years
Work Location: Portland, OR – Field-Based / Onsite
Employment Type: To Be Determined

POSITION OVERVIEW

EGS is seeking an experienced Tunnel Inspector with a strong background in Nondestructive Examination (NDE), structural inspection, and underground infrastructure assessment to support engineering and infrastructure projects for Akana in the Portland, Oregon area.

The successful candidate will be responsible for performing detailed inspections, evaluating structural integrity, identifying defects and deterioration, and supporting condition assessments of tunnels and associated underground infrastructure.

This position requires a combination of hands-on field inspection experience, technical knowledge of NDE methodologies, and the ability to document findings and provide recommendations to engineering and project management teams.

Candidates should possess approximately 5–15 years of relevant experience in tunnel inspection, structural assessment, civil infrastructure inspection, or related NDE applications.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Conduct field inspections and condition assessments of tunnels, underground structures, and associated infrastructure.
Perform visual inspections and utilize appropriate NDE techniques to evaluate structural integrity and identify defects, deterioration, cracking, corrosion, and other potential deficiencies.
Inspect concrete, steel, reinforced structures, tunnel linings, joints, connections, and structural support systems.
Apply NDE methodologies such as ultrasonic testing (UT), ground penetrating radar (GPR), impact-echo testing, magnetic particle testing (MT), dye penetrant testing (PT), or other applicable inspection techniques.
Evaluate tunnel conditions and identify structural concerns, water infiltration, material degradation, and potential safety hazards.
Review engineering drawings, inspection plans, specifications, and relevant technical documentation.
Document inspection findings through detailed field reports, photographs, measurements, sketches, and condition assessment records.
Support the preparation of inspection reports, structural condition assessments, and recommendations for maintenance, repair, or rehabilitation.
Coordinate with engineers, construction personnel, project managers, and other technical professionals.
Ensure inspection activities comply with applicable industry standards, project specifications, and safety requirements.
Participate in field investigations, construction inspections, and quality assurance activities as required.
Maintain accurate inspection records and ensure timely reporting of identified deficiencies.
Follow established safety procedures while working in tunnels, confined spaces, underground facilities, and active construction environments.
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

Approximately 5–15 years of professional experience in structural inspection, tunnel inspection, NDE/NDT, underground infrastructure assessment, or a closely related discipline.
Demonstrated hands-on experience performing nondestructive examinations or testing of structural materials and infrastructure components.
Working knowledge of tunnel construction, structural systems, concrete and steel structures, and common deterioration mechanisms.
Experience identifying and documenting structural deficiencies, defects, corrosion, cracking, and other material conditions.
Familiarity with inspection procedures, engineering drawings, technical specifications, and field documentation.
Ability to interpret NDE results and communicate findings to engineering and project teams.
Experience preparing detailed inspection reports and technical documentation.
Strong understanding of construction site safety, field inspection procedures, and hazard recognition.
Ability to perform physically demanding field inspections in underground or restricted-access environments.
Strong communication, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
Ability to work independently and collaboratively with multidisciplinary engineering teams.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

Associate's or bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering, Structural Engineering, Construction Technology, Engineering Technology, or a related technical discipline.
Previous experience inspecting transportation tunnels, rail tunnels, highway tunnels, utility tunnels, water conveyance tunnels, or similar underground infrastructure.
NDE/NDT certifications through ASNT or another recognized certification program.
Experience with ultrasonic testing, ground penetrating radar, impact-echo testing, or other concrete and structural inspection technologies.
Familiarity with FHWA tunnel inspection guidance and the National Tunnel Inspection Standards (NTIS).
Experience with tunnel condition assessments, structural rehabilitation, and infrastructure maintenance programs.
Knowledge of applicable ASTM, ACI, AWS, and other relevant industry standards.
Experience with confined-space entry requirements and underground construction safety.
Experience working on public infrastructure, transportation, municipal, or large-scale civil engineering projects.
Professional Engineer (PE) license or relevant inspection certifications are a plus, but not required unless specified by the client.
WORK ENVIRONMENT

Position is based in the Portland, Oregon area.
Work may involve field inspections in active or inactive tunnels, underground structures, and construction environments.
May require working in confined spaces, elevated locations, or areas with restricted access.
Ability to walk extended distances, climb ladders, navigate uneven surfaces, and utilize appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE).
Work schedules may vary depending on project requirements, inspection access, and operational restrictions.
Occasional evening, night, or weekend work may be required depending on inspection schedules.
IDEAL CANDIDATE PROFILE

The ideal candidate is an experienced infrastructure or structural inspector with a strong technical background in nondestructive examination and a demonstrated ability to evaluate tunnel and underground structural conditions.

Candidates with experience in transportation infrastructure, underground construction, structural rehabilitation, concrete inspection, or specialized NDE testing are encouraged to apply.

Individuals who combine hands-on inspection capabilities with strong technical reporting skills and an understanding of infrastructure safety and structural integrity will be particularly well suited for this opportunity.